Little Kourosh, continuing his deep reflections on the status of women in ancient society and understanding the complexities of the transition from matriarchy to patriarchy, now turned his mind to the prominent and undeniable role of valiant women in the history and myths of Iran. He recalled that despite the shift towards a patriarchal society, the women of this land had never lost their vital role in administration, raising generations, preserving culture, and even on the battlefield. He thought about how he could use this immense and hidden potential to build his thousand-year empire not only on strong and intelligent men but also on intelligent, brave, and capable women; for he knew well that the true strength of a nation lies only in the full and comprehensive participation of all its people, both men and women.
His mind traveled to the stories of brave women whose names shone like bright stars in the history of ancient Iran. He knew that this land had always nurtured powerful women who were influential in various fields, from politics and military command to science, art, and even religion. These women played their roles not only behind the curtains of palaces and courts but in some cases, openly and in public view, changing the course of history with their courage, prudence, and vision, becoming unparalleled role models for future generations. They showed that power and wisdom know no bounds.
Among these women, the name of Artemisia I, the queen of Caria and commander of the Achaemenid navy, stood out most in Little Kourosh's mind. He remembered how Artemisia, one of the most prominent female commanders in history, participated in the Greco-Persian Wars with her fleet and immortalized her name with her unparalleled bravery. Artemisia was not only active on the naval battlefield, skillfully commanding her ships, but she also served as a trusted military advisor to Xerxes, the Achaemenid king, playing a key role in military and strategic decision-making with her prudence and wisdom.
The story of Artemisia's presence in the decisive Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE came alive in Little Kourosh's mind. He recalled how Artemisia, despite the numerical superiority of the Greeks and the difficult conditions of naval warfare, commanded her fleet with complete courage and skill, and even in critical moments, broke through enemy ships with cunning and bravery. Herodotus, the great Greek historian, despite often viewing the Persians with a critical eye, praised Artemisia's courage and prudence in his writings. He recounts that Xerxes, after observing Artemisia's battle and her unparalleled bravery, said: "My men have become women, and my women, men." This statement was an unparalleled testament to the bravery of this queen and showed that courage and competence know no bounds, and gender has no meaning on the battlefield.
Kourosh also thought about the role of Cassandane, the beloved wife of Cyrus the Great and the mother of Cambyses and Bardiya. Cassandane was not only Cyrus's favorite wife, their love being legendary in history, but she was also known as a powerful and influential queen in the Achaemenid court. Her role in raising the children who were the heirs to the great Persian Empire was vital and unique. Her death, according to Herodotus, caused public mourning throughout the empire, which indicates her high status and respect among the people and the court. This was another example of the power of women in the foundation of the royal family and their influence on the stability and future of the country; a power that, behind the scenes, strengthened the roots of the empire.
Then Little Kourosh's mind turned to Atossa, the daughter of Cyrus the Great, wife of Darius the Great, and mother of Xerxes. Atossa was a very intelligent and influential woman who not only held an important position at court and was highly respected among the nobles and grandees, but also played a key role in political decisions and even in the selection of Darius's successor, namely Xerxes. She was a symbol of the political power of women in the Achaemenid Empire; a power that could influence the fate of the kingdom and its future directions, and even change the course of history. He also thought of Artystone, another daughter of Cyrus and wife of Darius the Great, who was also one of the important women of the court and a symbol of the blood ties and legitimization in the royal family.
Kourosh thought of the story of Youtab, the sister of Ariobarzanes, the Persian hero, who fought against Alexander the Great. Youtab, along with her brother, valiantly defended the Persian Gates against Alexander's massive army to the death, registering their names in the history of courage. These women proved their bravery not only behind the scenes of politics but also on the battlefield, showing that courage knows no bounds. And of course, Stateira, the daughter of Darius III and wife of Alexander the Great, whose marriage to Alexander was a symbol of his attempt to create unity between Iran and Greece, although a bitter fate awaited her, and this union did not last.
Little Kourosh, with a deep understanding of these historical and mythological examples, concluded that he must further elevate the status of women in his thousand-year empire. He wanted to create opportunities for women to reach their full potential in all areas of society, including the army, administration, science, art, and even religion, and for their talents to flourish. This view was based not only on a desire for justice and respect for human rights but also on his firm belief in the efficiency and power of a nation's full human resources. He knew that an empire relying on only half of its population could never reach the peak of prosperity, power, and well-being.
He also recalled that in the Persepolis Fortification Tablets, which mostly date to the reigns of Darius the Great and Artaxerxes I, unparalleled evidence of the rights of female workers has been found. At a time when other civilizations used slaves for labor and women had no rights, Achaemenid female workers received wages, rations, sick leave, retirement rights, and even childcare, and sometimes earned wages equal to or even greater than men. This indicated a progressive and revolutionary approach to social justice that Cyrus the Great wanted to strengthen and develop its roots in his own time, taking it to an unprecedented level, so that his empire would be a leader in the world not only in military power but also in social justice.